Lindeth Fell

Hotel review

Up a curving drive through mature gardens and woodland, this hotel feels a world away from bustling Bowness, although the latter is only a five-minute car journey. Originally an Edwardian private house with an extensive terrace overlooking lawns, trees and the wooded slopes of the far shores of Lake Windermere, it still retains a quiet elegance yet subtly modernised. In truth it's a small country house hotel without the fuss and formality.  

There's a wood-panelled hall, stained glass windows, plasterwork ceilings and open fires, but bold-coloured walls and wallpapers, sleek modern armchairs, a startling sea-blue bar and a library of books you might actually want to read. 

Bedrooms, too, mix a classic country-house style with a light modern touch: shimmery wallpapers, light-wood or painted furniture, upholstered armchairs and a deep sense of comfort without clutter. Bathrooms are impressively well thought-through, and with good lighting and storage. The best rooms have lake views but those with garden and woodland views are no less comfortable.

The long dining room, with its row of picture windows, has been designed so every table has a view over the garden, and to the wooded slopes beyond. The short-choice menu offers classic dishes with a sophisticated twist: salted cod with scorched cauliflower, or pork tenderloin with puréed apple. The service, as at breakfast (omelettes to smoked haddock rarebit) is professional yet friendly. In fact, the welcoming atmosphere of the hotel ensures you'll soon be on chatting terms with your fellow guests.

Helen Pickles Review published: 26/02/2024